Sticky: 370Z Transmission Failures (6MT)

Spartan 1771 · 01-10-2019, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty

how much is the new tranny?

$2,103.57

Spooler · 01-10-2019, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartan 1771

I got a quote from MA Motorsports and I honestly can't believe what I'm looking at.
The quote is for the following:
1. New Z34 transmission
2. Install the following customer supplied parts: clutch, flywheel, csc elim kit, trans mount, clutch pedal and clutch master cylinder.

Total with tax: $3,412.78

Does this seem right? I was really expecting something in the range of $6,000 to $10,000

I got the quote via email and plan to call them tomorrow to talk more about it.

This looks about right. The tranny price is good also. I am sure that is a new Nissan tranny. That is about what they run.

Rusty · 01-10-2019, 07:33 PM

They're charging you about $1,300 for labor to install the tranny and your parts. That's not a bad price. A lot of places won't install your parts.

Spartan 1771 · 01-10-2019, 07:47 PM

I'm thrilled with the price. Like I said, I was expecting a lot more. Since this is a lot lower then expected I'm going to speak to them about possible upgrades for the synchros. I dont want to go through this again in a few years.

Spooler · 01-10-2019, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spartan 1771

I'm thrilled with the price. Like I said, I was expecting a lot more. Since this is a lot lower then expected I'm going to speak to them about possible upgrades for the synchros. I dont want to go through this again in a few years.

Don't miss/grind a gear and change the fluid every 30k at the most. That's your upgrade.

Spartan 1771 · 01-10-2019, 08:13 PM

I've been driving a manual for 30 years and I'm a fanatic with maintenance on my Z. Beyond that, my Z only has 22,000 original miles on it. I've never had any transmission problems with any of my previous cars, some of which I beat the living crap out of. This issue has nothing to do with my driving or maintenance habits.

physics · 03-08-2019, 08:27 AM

My 2019 6MT sport with 3700 miles on it that has had a notchy 1st to 2nd shift since it was new, with the 2nd to 3rd shift a little notchy at times. I thought that it would smooth out as the transmission broke in but it has actually gotten worse. I'm now babying the tranny and double-clutching the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts to reduce further damage. My suspicion has always been that the synchros weren't working properly, but I'm no transmission expert. I have driven manual transmission cars ranging from mid-60s British sports cars, to a Porsche and numerous domestic cars over the last 45 years without a problem. I even had a couple of 5-speed Fords that had over 200,00 miles on them in which I had no problems with the transmissions, so I don't know.

I guess the first step will be to take it to the dealer to have them evaluate it. Knowing how these businesses operate, I'm anticipating having to fight with them to get them to acknowledge there is a real problem. Has anybody here had to go through the legal process to get Nissan or its dealers to do the right thing in cases like this?

Chuck33079 · 03-08-2019, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by physics

My 2019 6MT sport with 3700 miles on it that has had a notchy 1st to 2nd shift since it was new, with the 2nd to 3rd shift a little notchy at times. I thought that it would smooth out as the transmission broke in but it has actually gotten worse. I'm now babying the tranny and double-clutching the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts to reduce further damage. My suspicion has always been that the synchros weren't working properly, but I'm no transmission expert. I have driven manual transmission cars ranging from mid-60s British sports cars, to a Porsche and numerous domestic cars over the last 45 years without a problem. I even had a couple of 5-speed Fords that had over 200,00 miles on them in which I had no problems with the transmissions, so I don't know.

I guess the first step will be to take it to the dealer to have them evaluate it. Knowing how these businesses operate, I'm anticipating having to fight with them to get them to acknowledge there is a real problem. Has anybody here had to go through the legal process to get Nissan or its dealers to do the right thing in cases like this?

Before you go that far, just go test drive another manual Z. These are clunky gearboxes. They're strong as hell, but the shifting is clunky. Better fluid helps, but it'll still make noise and have a rougher 1-2 shift than you might expect.

Cyber370 · 03-08-2019, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by physics

My 2019 6MT sport with 3700 miles on it that has had a notchy 1st to 2nd shift since it was new, with the 2nd to 3rd shift a little notchy at times. I thought that it would smooth out as the transmission broke in but it has actually gotten worse. I'm now babying the tranny and double-clutching the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts to reduce further damage. My suspicion has always been that the synchros weren't working properly, but I'm no transmission expert. I have driven manual transmission cars ranging from mid-60s British sports cars, to a Porsche and numerous domestic cars over the last 45 years without a problem. I even had a couple of 5-speed Fords that had over 200,00 miles on them in which I had no problems with the transmissions, so I don't know.

I guess the first step will be to take it to the dealer to have them evaluate it. Knowing how these businesses operate, I'm anticipating having to fight with them to get them to acknowledge there is a real problem. Has anybody here had to go through the legal process to get Nissan or its dealers to do the right thing in cases like this?

You need to keep in mind that these trannies were designed for fast shifting at high rpms. You will get very notchy shifting especially 1-2 shifts when going slow and shifting at low rpms. In those instances, you need to slow down your shifting along with your speed.

My tranny in my ‘16 Nismo has been like this from new. I’ll bet that if they change out your tranny, the replacement won’t be much better.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quicksilvers · 03-08-2019, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by physics

My 2019 6MT sport with 3700 miles on it that has had a notchy 1st to 2nd shift since it was new, with the 2nd to 3rd shift a little notchy at times. I thought that it would smooth out as the transmission broke in but it has actually gotten worse. I'm now babying the tranny and double-clutching the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts to reduce further damage. My suspicion has always been that the synchros weren't working properly, but I'm no transmission expert. I have driven manual transmission cars ranging from mid-60s British sports cars, to a Porsche and numerous domestic cars over the last 45 years without a problem. I even had a couple of 5-speed Fords that had over 200,00 miles on them in which I had no problems with the transmissions, so I don't know.

I guess the first step will be to take it to the dealer to have them evaluate it. Knowing how these businesses operate, I'm anticipating having to fight with them to get them to acknowledge there is a real problem. Has anybody here had to go through the legal process to get Nissan or its dealers to do the right thing in cases like this?

Unfortunately the 6MT transmissions are well known for being notchy at times to shift. When you shift is your transmission is it making any noise that you know of? The 6MT transmissions in our Z’s are very strong and reliable I have seen them last 200K-300K miles really depends. Before you take any further action you should change your transmission fluid with a better quality fluid like Redline MT-85 transmission fluid and see if it smooths the transmission shifting out and makes conditions better. Changing your transmission fluid can make a difference.

Spooler · 03-08-2019, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilvers

Before you take any further action you should change your transmission fluid with a better quality fluid like Redline MT-85 transmission fluid and see if it smooths the transmission shifting out and makes conditions better.

That fluid is too thick and will cause horrible shifting when cold. Use a GL-4 75w90 fluid of your choice. I use Amsoil MT fluid.

UNISYN · 03-08-2019, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fountainhead

Hey Unisyn
I'm in your area, Lake Mary, who (if you don't mind me asking) did your CSC work?
Mine is fine but I'd like to know my options.

Thanks!

Hey there, Fountainhead. I actually had it done at the Formula Tire & Auto (Firestone) on 434 near Wekiva Springs Lane back in 2015 when I was new to the area and it was only 3/4 mile from where I live. They did a good job, but it's pricey, meaning around $700. This last August I had the entire engine swapped with all new gaskets, water pump, spark plugs etc. and a Z1 Street Performance clutch put in at Z-Tech on 17-92 in Longwood ($5300! ouch). I would probably go to Z-Tech since he has been working on Z' since the early '80s, but they cost a little more due to quality of work. I'm happy with everything so far, but a couple of times it felt like the CSC was going out again, but it cleared up. I also had the transmission and rear differential replaced at the Nissan dealer a couple years ago right before the extended warranty ran out. That would of been a $6K job!

physics · 03-09-2019, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quicksilvers

Unfortunately the 6MT transmissions are well known for being notchy at times to shift. When you shift is your transmission is it making any noise that you know of? The 6MT transmissions in our Z’s are very strong and reliable I have seen them last 200K-300K miles really depends. Before you take any further action you should change your transmission fluid with a better quality fluid like Redline MT-85 transmission fluid and see if it smooths the transmission shifting out and makes conditions better. Changing your transmission fluid can make a difference.

Thanks for the good advice. I have used Redline motor oils and gearbox lubricants in the past in my Porsche and have always been very satisfied with their performance. I am planning to have the tranny oil and diff oil changed out with Redline stuff when I bring my car in for its 5K service and so I'll see if it improves things. Meanwhile, I'll continue to try to refine my 1 - 2 upshift technique to get smoother shifts consistently. Strangely, my downshifts into any gear, with SRM off, are all very smooth with no problem.

Quicksilvers · 03-09-2019, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by physics

Thanks for the good advice. I have used Redline motor oils and gearbox lubricants in the past in my Porsche and have always been very satisfied with their performance. I am planning to have the tranny oil and diff oil changed out with Redline stuff when I bring my car in for its 5K service and so I'll see if it improves things. Meanwhile, I'll continue to try to refine my 1 - 2 upshift technique to get smoother shifts consistently. Strangely, my downshifts into any gear, with SRM off, are all very smooth with no problem.

Welcome it sounds like nothing abnormal I would recommend keeping the SRM off then. My 6MT transmission was sometimes a bit notchy at times and strangely enough I would change my transmission fluid and it would overall smooth my shifts out. I highly recommend Redline MT-85 fluid for the transmission it worked very well for me. You do know for your differential Redline 75W90 gear oil is highly recommended and it has the required friction modifier already in it as well. Depending on your out come have you ever considered installing a different clutch/flywheel set up? The Coolerworx shifter would really help you out.

mike86 · 02-25-2021, 10:19 AM

Reviving the discussion to share some serious issues with my transmission.

In FSM found only end play for input shaft - almost no play allowed (0-0.1mm or 0-0.004in), but nothing for the output where propeler shaft mounts into.
My output side of transmission where propeler shaft connects to has pretty huge play side to side, which shouldn't be there because of bearings, right? In/out play, there's little

Except of the failing syncros I haven't read here about failing bearings on transmission shafts therefore I'm pretty surprised.
Mine's 2010 and has only 49k miles (78k km).

I've posted my issue with strange bouncy behavior of the car with videos already here:
Shaking accelration and deceleration
to see if anybody has had such an experience.

With such a play it's time for new transmission.

01-10-2019, 07:33 PM	#93 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 69 Posts: 35,542 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684439	They're charging you about $1,300 for labor to install the tranny and your parts. That's not a bad price. A lot of places won't install your parts. Spartan 1771 likes this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

01-10-2019, 07:47 PM	#94 (permalink)
Spartan 1771 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Western Maryland Posts: 1,279 Drives: Wife crazy & 09 370Z Rep Power: 105454	I'm thrilled with the price. Like I said, I was expecting a lot more. Since this is a lot lower then expected I'm going to speak to them about possible upgrades for the synchros. I dont want to go through this again in a few years. __________________ ~Rob -DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on...

01-10-2019, 08:13 PM	#96 (permalink)
Spartan 1771 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Western Maryland Posts: 1,279 Drives: Wife crazy & 09 370Z Rep Power: 105454	I've been driving a manual for 30 years and I'm a fanatic with maintenance on my Z. Beyond that, my Z only has 22,000 original miles on it. I've never had any transmission problems with any of my previous cars, some of which I beat the living crap out of. This issue has nothing to do with my driving or maintenance habits. SwedeZ likes this. __________________ ~Rob -DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on... Last edited by Spartan 1771; 01-10-2019 at 08:51 PM.

03-08-2019, 08:27 AM	#97 (permalink)
physics Base Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 40 Drives: 19 Nissan 370Z SC 6M Rep Power: 15	Notchy and Noisy 1st to 2nd Gear Shift My 2019 6MT sport with 3700 miles on it that has had a notchy 1st to 2nd shift since it was new, with the 2nd to 3rd shift a little notchy at times. I thought that it would smooth out as the transmission broke in but it has actually gotten worse. I'm now babying the tranny and double-clutching the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts to reduce further damage. My suspicion has always been that the synchros weren't working properly, but I'm no transmission expert. I have driven manual transmission cars ranging from mid-60s British sports cars, to a Porsche and numerous domestic cars over the last 45 years without a problem. I even had a couple of 5-speed Fords that had over 200,00 miles on them in which I had no problems with the transmissions, so I don't know. I guess the first step will be to take it to the dealer to have them evaluate it. Knowing how these businesses operate, I'm anticipating having to fight with them to get them to acknowledge there is a real problem. Has anybody here had to go through the legal process to get Nissan or its dealers to do the right thing in cases like this?

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02-25-2021, 10:19 AM	#105 (permalink)
mike86 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Slovakia, Europe Posts: 6 Drives: 2010 370Z, grey, 6MT Rep Power: 5	Reviving the discussion to share some serious issues with my transmission. In FSM found only end play for input shaft - almost no play allowed (0-0.1mm or 0-0.004in), but nothing for the output where propeler shaft mounts into. My output side of transmission where propeler shaft connects to has pretty huge play side to side, which shouldn't be there because of bearings, right? In/out play, there's little Except of the failing syncros I haven't read here about failing bearings on transmission shafts therefore I'm pretty surprised. Mine's 2010 and has only 49k miles (78k km). I've posted my issue with strange bouncy behavior of the car with videos already here: Shaking accelration and deceleration to see if anybody has had such an experience. With such a play it's time for new transmission.